Monday, 4 May 2015

548

“Wai would never have guessed,” said Keith
drily. “All those airs and grices. Oi mayn, just so top drawer, ya knaow.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I
know. But I’m serious. I’m the son of a duke and I have a title of
my own. And when I came to Oz I wanted
to put all that behind me. Like I
said. But I just want to say, just
because I’m an in-bred toff doesn’t mean it will change anything between
us.” This confident assertion was spoiled
by him immediately saying, nervously, “Will it?” Before anyone could answer, Jason added, “I
didn’t want to tell you, well, because of Brent and the money thing, and
because, well, you know, maybe you would see me differently.” He looked away and swallowed. “I wanted you to be my friends. And I … well, I know you might feel strange
with me being a lord and rich and stuff.”

“It’s just,” explained
Jason eagerly, “that when I start this new home, I’ll want as much publicity as
possible to get donations. And you know
with a title, and a poncey accent I can maybe make this home a success.”

“Doesn’t matter to me,”
said Luigi. He smiled fondly at
Jason. “You’re not special because
you’re a fucking lord, mate.”

“Talkin’ of fuckin’ …”
said Keith with a wicked grin on his face, “haow come ya don’t go in for high
hayls and fishnet stockin’s, like all those Eton types?”

“Try anything once,” said
Jason with a relieved grin. “Even you, you idiot!”